September 7th Lunar Eclipse Spectacle Unfolds: A Celestial Display of Nighttime Majesty

On Sunday, sky-gazers in Germany will have the opportunity to witness a spectacular celestial event – a total lunar eclipse. This astronomical phenomenon will see the Earth's shadow temporarily cover the Moon, turning it a reddish-brown hue, often referred to as a "blood moon."

During a total lunar eclipse, sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere at the top and bottom, with most of it being absorbed. However, the Moon receives the red part, which gives it its distinctive colour. An expert explains that the term "blood moon" fits well for the Moon's appearance during the total lunar eclipse.

The exact colour of the Moon during the total lunar eclipse is difficult to predict, as it can be influenced by factors such as Saharan dust or volcanic eruptions. Despite this, the Moon will not appear bright red but rather a reddish-brown.

The Moon will be completely eclipsed everywhere, and it might already be coming out of the total eclipse when it's higher in the sky, making it more visible. Eastern Germany offers the best chance of seeing the eclipsed Moon well.

If viewing the eclipse is not successful this time, there's no need to worry. The Moon will be eclipsed again in a year, but only partially. For those who want to stay updated on space-related news, the BNN news app is available for both Android and Apple devices. The BNN newsletters are also available for those who prefer to receive updates via email.

Interestingly, the Moon does not appear unusually large during the lunar eclipse. The next partial lunar eclipse visible in Germany will occur on December 31, 2028, while a total lunar eclipse will be visible again on September 7, 2025.

So, mark your calendars and head outside to witness this breathtaking spectacle. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or simply a curious observer, the total lunar eclipse is an event not to be missed.